FIREFIGHTERS could go on strike for the first time in 25 years, after union leaders called for big pay rises.

More than 100 Fire Brigade Union officials from across the country met yesterday to press for a £30,000 wage for all qualified firefighters.

Bob Pounder, union secretary for Bolton and Bury, claimed some local fire fighters received less than £17,500.

Union officials are pressing for the current salary of £21,531 to be increased for all firemen and women, and control room staff.

The union also argued that the service's 24-year-old pay formula, introduced after the last national fire strike, was now "well out of date" and should be replaced.

The claim for a new pay formula will be presented to the Greater Manchester Fire and Civil Defence Authority.

But Mr Pounder was not optimistic that the firefighters would get the deal they want.

He said: "The Government has already indicated to our employers that it will not be getting any public money.

"We are now reaching the stage of the last national strike in 1977 where there is no way out.

"We are not seeking confrontation. We want recognition for the way that we do our jobs, for the skills that we have and the public's expectations. Firefighters can look the world in the eye and say that they are worth that money.

"The level of pay at the moment is far too low."

The union is pressing for a reply before its annual conference in Bridlington next month.

Delegates at next month's conference will discuss calls for industrial action, including strikes, if the pay claim is not met.

Mr Pounder added: "There will be a struggle. But we have a responsibility to resolve it without taking industrial action."